Pakistani dramas have long been admired across the border, but a new controversy has emerged that is testing the patience of fans who feel that admiration has crossed a line. An Indian drama is now being accused of lifting scenes directly from one of Pakistan’s most celebrated recent productions, and the reaction online has been swift and pointed.
Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum, starring Hania Aamir as Sharjeena and Fahad Mustafa as Mustafa, became a global hit after its release, building a passionate fanbase that extended well beyond Pakistan. The drama was widely praised for its engaging storyline, the chemistry between its lead characters, and its honest portrayal of married life and domestic dynamics.
Now, viewers are drawing sharp comparisons between the Pakistani original and an Indian drama called Qabool Hai, in which real-life couple Mohit and Sanaya play characters navigating marital conflicts and household tensions. For many fans, the similarities go beyond inspiration and into outright copying.
One particular scene has gained the most attention online. In Qabool Hai, a dinner-table argument between the leads closely mirrors a sequence from Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum in which the female lead is offered money for preparing food. Viewers say the scene in the Indian drama feels not just similar in theme but copied almost word for word. The clip has been widely shared on social media, with fans placing both scenes side by side to highlight the overlap.
The comments from viewers have been blunt. Many have expressed frustration that a drama which earned such genuine love and recognition is now being replicated without acknowledgment or credit. Others have noted that while the broader theme of marital conflict is not unique to either drama, the specific scene in question goes beyond thematic overlap.
The broader context of this accusation is worth noting. Pakistani dramas have seen a significant rise in international viewership over the past few years, and their influence on regional content is increasingly visible. That influence is generally welcomed, but the distinction between being inspired by a work and reproducing it without credit is one that audiences are becoming increasingly aware of and vocal about.
Neither the producers of Qabool Hai nor the channel airing the drama have publicly responded to the accusations. The makers of Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum have also not commented on the comparison.
For now, the debate continues online, fuelled by fans who feel that the creative effort behind Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum deserves better than an uncredited imitation. Whether the controversy prompts any formal response from those involved remains to be seen, but the conversation it has sparked reflects a growing expectation among audiences that original work should be recognised and respected, regardless of which side of the border it comes from.
